How Child-Led Play Shapes Learning at Daisy’s Early Learning Southern River

September 5, 2025

Play is one of the most powerful ways children learn, and at Daisy’s Early Learning and Care in Southern River childcare is guided by play at the heart of our philosophy. Guided by our values of Listen, Love, Laugh and Learn, we see play as the foundation of early education, shaping children into confident and capable learners.

We draw inspiration from Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Inquiry-Based Learning, which all recognise the importance of giving children the freedom to explore their interests. Through child-led play, children develop independence, resilience and creativity, while our approach provides thoughtful support to extend their discoveries.

What is Child-Led Play?

When children take the lead in their play, the benefits are wide-ranging and long-lasting.

Independence: Making choices gives children confidence in their ability to decide for themselves.
Creativity: Open-ended play encourages imagination and problem-solving.
Confidence: Children build self-belief as they master new challenges at their own pace.
Social skills: Group play helps children negotiate, share and collaborate.

At Daisy’s, these skills are developing every day, from toddlers learning to take turns to pre-kindy children proudly explaining their imaginative ideas.

Supporting Children’s Ideas Through Play

With 25 years of experience in early childhood education and a background in inquiry based learning as a qualified IBO and Early Years Teacher, Meg saw the need for something different. A place where learning wasn’t rushed or rigid. A place where families and educators work in harmony and where children are encouraged to develop agency, feel emotionally safe, take risks, solve problems and recover from setbacks. A learning space where children can develop resilience through relationships and love.

The Values That Shape Us

Our Southern River classrooms and outdoor areas are designed with exploration in mind.

Indoor spaces feature natural materials, sensory tables and creative corners that invite experimentation.
Outdoor environments encourage digging, climbing and exploring nature, which support both physical development and imaginative play.
Child-led exploration: As children play, we provide resources or gentle prompts that extend their ideas. For example, if a group is building with blocks, a simple question such as “How can we make it taller?” helps spark problem-solving and collaboration.

This approach ensures that children’s ideas guide the experience, while play remains rich and meaningful.

What is the Difference Between Child-Led and Free Play?

Is child-led play the same as free play?

Free play is unstructured time where children choose their activities. Child-led play, as practised at Daisy’s, is more intentional. We observe and support the play with thoughtful additions, making sure every moment becomes an opportunity for learning.

How does child-led play prepare children for school?

By leading their own play, children gain confidence, resilience and the ability to collaborate. These are skills that make the transition to school smoother and help them thrive in new environments.

Inspiring Confident Young Minds in Southern River

Child-led play does more than prepare children for school. It equips them with resilience, creativity and the ability to work with others, which are skills that last throughout life.

The best way to understand our approach is to see it in person. We invite you to book a tour online and explore our Southern River centre for yourself. It is the easiest way to get a feel for the spaces, ask questions and see how our philosophy comes to life each day. Book a tour online today and start your journey with Daisy’s.

Come Visit Daisy’s

If you’re looking for early learning or childcare in Perth that’s focused on your child’s growth, we’d love to meet you.